Stars looking to offense on track against Blues

DALLAS (Ticker) -- The Dallas Stars will hope to turn around
their struggling offense and avoid a third straight loss when
they host the St. Louis Blues on Thursday.

The Stars have managed just one goal over their last two
contests, including Monday's 1-0 loss to the San Jose Sharks.
The club has not scored since Steve Ott's third-period goal
during Saturday's 3-1 setback to the Chicago Blackhawks.

It is an important stretch for Dallas, which is bidding for a
playoff spot in the tight Western Conference race. The Stars
are one of four teams tied between seventh and 10th place.

The Blues are starting to climb into the picture as well,
sitting five points behind Dallas.

St. Louis' comeback bid is being led by Chris Mason, who is
9-3-4 with a 1.63 goals-against average since January 19. Mason
made 24 saves during a 2-1 triumph over the Phoenix Coyotes on
Tuesday.

Jay McClement snapped a tie with a shorthanded goal late in the
second period for the Blues, who have allowed just eight goals
over the last six games - posting a 4-1-1 record over that
stretch.